Sugar Learning Platform and GNOME Desktop Now Available on One Laptop per Child XO-1.5

One Laptop Per Child announced an update to the XO-1.5 which enables both Sugar Labs' Sugar Learning Platform and the GNOME free desktop. The Sugar Learning Platform has been featured on OLPC laptops since the original XO-1. The recent update introduces a more sophisticated interface for older students. Toggling between the two environments can be done with a single-click.

“The fluidity of movement between the two desktops gives learners the ability to transition from a learning environment – Sugar – to a production and productivity environment – GNOME," said Walter Bender, Executive Director of Sugar Labs.

OLPC also announced the XO-HS, a high school edition of the XO-1.5. The XO-HS features a new keyboard, optimized for larger hands. The XO-HS features a VIA processor, 4X DRAM and Flash memory.

The Linux4Afrika development help project that is active in a number of east African countries has released the next verson of its software distribution. The donated used hardware will be expanded by new functionality.